FAQ's - EMS Billing
No Transport Fee
MCHD established an across the board no-transport fee in response to taxpayers request to reduce reliance on the taxpayer and shift more to a user fee model. Several people have asked for guidance on how to answer these questions.
Question: Am I going to be billed for this?
Answer: Recently MCHD implemented an across the board no transport fee. In the past we billed for some no transport calls. Not all people who call for an ambulance need ambulance transportation. In order to help everyone feel comfortable that the right decision was made, we often need to perform assessments and provide some treatment. Doing so may help you avoid an expensive and unnecessary trip to the emergency room.
Question: Shouldn’t my taxes should cover this service?
Answer: Over the past two years, many taxpayers have told us that they want to see their taxes reduced and allow the system users to pay a larger portion of the cost of the ambulance service. We are seeking to balance user fees with the reliance on taxes in an attempt to keep everyone’s taxes as low as possible.
Helping out the homeowner/taxpayer was the intent of the no-transport fee. The $50 charge was an attempt to generate a small revenue stream from what equates to 25-30% of our run volume. These requests for assistance use costly resources and represent our largest liability. This was an attempt to balance user fees against tax rates.
Question: Will I get billed for (insert any additional procedure here)?
Answer: There is no additional cost for doing this additional assessment (or treatment). The no-transport fee is a flat rate. We do not what you to base the decision on whether or not to do this assessment (or treatment) on any additional cost.
Question: If I decide to go to the hospital, we will get billed for the no-transport?
Answer: No. If you change your mind while we are still here and decide you want to go to the hospital, we will be happy to take you. You will not be charged for the no-transport.
